Designers and creative directors Falguni Peacock and Shane Peacock have carved a niche for themselves in the global fashion space with their traditional Indian craftsmanship, contemporary silhouettes, and glamorous aesthetic. You've probably seen creations from their brand on red carpets and in music videos worn by everyone from Lady Gaga to Beyoncé. Priyanka Chopra and several other celebrities wore their opulent designs at last year's South Asian Excellence pre-Oscars celebration, plus you can spot one of their gorgeous lehengas on Sarah Jessica Parker in season one of "And Just Like That." The Indian fashion house has always had a global approach from its inception in 2004, and we spoke to the designers behind the brand Falguni Shane Peacock about building their namesake label, their comeback to New York Fashion Week, and their current must-have products.
The husband-and-wife duo initially had two separate brands. "After we got married, it didn't make sense to have two different brands. If it's the same thing we both want, then why not do it together?" Falguni says. They decided to join forces and create their namesake label. The brand caters to both the South Asian market and the global market with its wide array of offerings. "We do Indian couture, we do western ready-to-wear and western couture, advanced contemporary. We're going to start a line of accessories, too," Falguni says. "We always designed for a well-traveled, modern woman who knew what she's wearing," Shane says. "She wears her traditional sarees, but she also does the modern part in terms of styling," Falguni adds. The designers' signature style is modern elegance, and most of their inspiration comes from traveling to truly capture that global essence, which is a core part of the brand's DNA.
Falguni and Shane's line started as resort wear, and at their first show in India, that collection got bought by Harrods, Villa Moda, and other global stores. They then showcased at Miami Fashion Week and LA Fashion Week. "We jumped to London fashion week, and that's when our sensibilities, our styling, everything approach towards fashion changed. We went from a resort brand to an edgy brand," Shane says. Around this time is when their designs were grabbing the attention of celebrities, and it inspired them to start showing at New York Fashion Week up until 2015. Although the brand is global, Falguni and Shane knew they needed to focus on building the brand in India, so they took a break from the Fashion Week shows in 2016. Falguni notes that since India is booming, it was the perfect time to grow in the that market and build brand recognition and storefronts all over the country. "What's the point of you being so famous, if you're not famous in your own country?" Shane points out. Now their brand is one of the most sought-after for South Asian bridal wear and more.
This year, the designers are making their comeback to New York Fashion Week, and they've never been more excited. "When we left off, the passion was at a very different level; it was still delicate, couture kind of a vibe. Showing at New York Fashion today, it's more street. We're in a time where I don't think gendered clothing matters anymore," Shane says. Falguni points out that the world is so much more connected, especially with Instagram in the mix: "It's going to be an interesting space to show in." Most recently, they showed at Indian Couture Week, complete with a Barbiecore-inspired showstopper worn by Bollywood actress Kiara Advani.
Falguni and Shane are both very passionate about their work, which makes working together a flourishing partnership. "Our personal lives and our work lives are so tangled that we don't know whether we travel for vacation or went to work. Some work trips feel like a vacation, and vacation also feels like work because we are talking about work," he says. When they're not building a global design house and dressing your favorite celebs, they love to watch movies and often get inspired by them. "There are times when we've just taken a break from work and told everyone we're just coming in one hour, we have a meeting, but we've gone, watched a movie instead," Falguni says. From bold red lipstick to foldable sunglasses and their favorite pieces from their line, Falguni and Shane share current must-have products ahead.